Social media in Egypt was ablaze this weekend as customers expressed outrage over an obvious mislabeling on Google Maps, which confirmed Ras El Hekma, a area on Egypt’s North Coast, as belonging to the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The uproar was ignited after customers seen that looking for Ras El Hekma (additionally spelled Ras Al Hekma and Ras Al Hikma) on Google Maps displayed the time period “State of UAE” beneath considered one of its places.
Nevertheless, did Google really label the world as a part of the UAE? A more in-depth take a look at Google Maps reveals that isn’t the case.
Whereas “State of UAE” certainly seems clearly when looking for Ras El Hekma on Android and Apple gadgets, this description will not be the results of an official designation by Google. As an alternative, it stems from a consumer assessment on Google Maps.
Google Maps typically highlights extremely rated consumer evaluations beneath the names of lesser-known places. On this case, the quote “State of UAE” is from a assessment left by a consumer named Syed Basharat, which obtained over 75 reactions—greater than another assessment within the space (six in whole have been left to this point).
With such engagement, the algorithm probably routinely featured this remark under the seek for “Ras El Hekma” on Google Maps on cell gadgets, inflicting confusion amongst customers.
Google has not responded formally to the outrage and the label continues to seem beneath the search.
Main Funding in Ras El Hekma
On 23 February 2024, Egyptian and Emirati traders signed a USD 150 billion (EGP 1 trillion) settlement to rework Ras El Hekma into a big city, enterprise, and tourism hub on Egypt’s North Coast.
Led by Egypt’s New City Communities Authority and the Abu Dhabi Growth Holding Firm, the challenge is ready to reshape the world west of Alexandria. It features a broad array of developments, resembling tourism services, a free zone, and residential, business, and leisure tasks, spanning greater than 170 million sq. meters.
Modon Properties, a developer listed on the Abu Dhabi Securities Alternate, was lately introduced as the first developer of the Ras El Hekma challenge.
Final week, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi and UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan attended the official announcement of the event plan for Ras El Hekma.
The Ras El Hekma metropolis challenge can be a centerpiece within the broader effort to spice up Egypt’s tourism and enterprise sectors. As soon as accomplished, it goals to change into a worldwide vacation spot and a key financial zone alongside the Mediterranean coast.
